ARSENE WENGER has vowed that he will not be held to ransom with "stratospheric" transfer fees by clubs this summer.

Arsene Wenger says he will not be held to ransom in the transfer market

Arsenal manager Wenger crowned himself the modern day king of the FA Cup on Saturday, as he celebrated a record equalling sixth win in the competition as a manager, after his side beat Aston Villa 4-0 at Wembley.

And Wenger pledged after the game that this second successive cup win would be a springboard for a real title challenge next season.

Wenger wants Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, midfielders Morgan Schneiderlin and Arturo Vidal, and forwards Jackson Martinez and Pedro, among other targets this summer. But he will not pay above the odds for players - like the £45million being asked for Juventus star Paul Pogba.

He said: "We have not spent that kind of money. People forget that for years we had to sell our best players and that was a very difficult period. That is the reality.

"Since we have been able to buy again, we slowly came back to a more competitive level. But people speak about stratospheric numbers where we will not be involved.

"Not at that level - for financial reasons. It's simple. I have not made a clear decision yet on what I will do. But don't rule anything out. I'm always more focused on quality."

Wenger is convinced he is close to challenging for the Premier Legaue with this current team, especially after a fine run since the turn of the year which has seen them lose only three games since New Year's Day.

He added: "It will be a more even title race next year. I hope so. Chelsea surprised everybody this season with the start they had. They had a very balanced team with quality everywhere. We have made some ground up.

"Now it's about the start of next season. Chelsea will buy, Manchester City, United and Liverpool will buy. I don't know how good these teams will be.

"But on Saturday Santi Cazorla was voted man of the match. He has not cost £150m. Francis Coquelin was one of the best players on the pitch. You have to look at the real quality of people. I am not against spending money. I have shown that. But I want a good rapport between price and quality."

Cazorla cost Wenger £15m, and Coquelin nothing.

Jack Wilshere could find himself in hot water after taking to the microphone during Arsenal’s victory parade yesterday to lead fans in a foul-mouthed chant about rivals Tottenham.

The Arsenal midfielder, who came on as a substitute at Wembley, took to the microphone during the celebrations.

“What do we think of Tottenham?” Wilshere chanted outside the Emirates. “S***” was the reply from the fans.

“What do we think of s***?” Wilshere replied.

“Tottenham!” the fans chanted. Wilshere repeated the chant until the microphone appeared to be cut off.